- What it means
- The IRS wants you to verify your identity at a Taxpayer Assistance Center before it processes a return filed under your number.
- Respond within
- 30 days from the date on the notice
- What to send
- Nothing by mail. Make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center through the number on IRS.gov and bring the documents listed.
- Write it
- Document cover letter
- When to get help
- If you cannot get to an office, call the number on the IRS page for this letter and ask about alternatives.
What the letter says
The return needs in-person verification. This is the strongest of the verification letters and usually means the filters found something specific.
What to do
Call the appointment line on IRS.gov, bring the letter, the return, a prior year return, and two forms of ID (one photo). Verification at the office is immediate.
If you did not file the return
Say so at the appointment. The IRS will handle the fraudulent return and explain how to file yours.
What to gather
- The 5747C letter
- The tax return it references
- A prior year return
- Photo ID and a second ID
- W-2s and 1099s for the year
Write back
The Document cover letter tool builds the response in the order the IRS reads it. Fill it in, review it, print it, and send it with copies of the documents above and the notice stub on top.
Before you send anything
This is general information, not tax advice. Situations differ. Check with your tax advisor before you send anything. Nothing on this page creates a client relationship.